REAL Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has had a major influence on Newcastle United’s resurgence in English football – according to LMA and Premier League manager of the year Alan Pardew.

In an exclusive interview with the Chronicle, Pardew has revealed how Mourinho’s management techniques have had an impact on his own style at St James’ Park.

Pardew has also tipped his old pal – nicknamed the Special One – to make a Premier League return sooner rather than later and expects former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola – currently out of work – to soon join the party in England to reinforce the top flight as the best in Europe.

It’s a confession that will have Sir Bobby Robson looking down from above with admiration and approval with the Portuguese manager being one of the Geordie Godfather’s disciples during his time in charge of European giants Barcelona, Sporting Lisbon and Porto.

Now Pardew, whose side are just three points from a top-five slot and on the brink of qualifying for the last 32 of the Europa League, hopes that Mourinho’s influence can help drive the Magpies back to the business end of the Premier League.

Pardew – who spent time studying Mourinho’s training methods when the Portuguese was at Chelsea and still keeps in touch with him – told the Chronicle: “I used to watch Chelsea regularly because it was on my doorstep.

“It was when Jose Mourinho was there. There were things that I was seeing that I hadn’t seen in English football before.

“Some of the managerial traits that he was bringing I’ve learned from.

“And I can’t help but say I’ve nicked a few of them.”

Pardew picked up both annual managerial accolades last term and won the respect of Mourinho, who sent him a congratulatory text message, as well as some of his other mentors such Sir Alex Ferguson.

And Pardew admits they have all played a part in his education as a manager.

He said: “The big managers that I’ve come across and been lucky enough to deal with have influenced me.

“The impact of the foreign managers can’t be lost on my education. Arsene Wenger is another.

“There are a few people who have influenced me throughout my career – Steve Coppell for sure.”

Pardew expects to be reunited with the Special One in the Premier League in the not-too-distant future.

He said: “Unfortunately Jose is not in the country at the moment, but hopefully he will be coming back here soon.

“Pep will be, too. And then we really will have the best coaches in the world.

“That’s the one beauty about this country – we’ve had a melting pot of the best coaches. That’s why it is the best league in the world.”

While Pardew isn’t afraid to reveal his influences, he also praised his backroom staff.

Of course, assistant manager John Carver is another disciple of Sir Bobby and Pardew recently admitted that some of the ex-England manager’s influence lives on in the Geordie coach.

He said: “I’m lucky to have John and a great backroom team around him.”